Inter-American Choreographic Institute

The Inter-American Choreographic Institute (ICI) defines Choreography as: "The Art of Arranging Actions."  In addition to impactful musical and theatrical productions, and festivals both here in the United States and Latin America, the institute heavily invests and engages in public-private ventures that fosters awareness among the general population, business leaders, and legislators of the positive economic impact to be had of artists rich communities and broad cultural programming. Among these are safer neighborhoods, broad community engagement, higher incomes in retail services, restaurants, and transportation, marked increases in real estate value, increased contributions to cities through parking, valet fees, and special permits. In Coral Gables, FL, where the Institute is in residence at Sanctuary of the Arts, we've successfully help pass new legislation in support of these goals. 

For the most part, South Florida can be described as a "gig" economy, with artists needing to perform under various organizations in order to make ends meet. In all of South Florida, only the Miami City Ballet pays its artists enough of a salary to support their fulltime engagement in the company. The end goal is to create and support strategies that lead to more fulltime sustainable careers in the arts, across all genres. 

The Inter-American Choreographic Institute is committed to:

• Elevating the prominence and significance of South Florida as a cultural gateway between the American continents, and creating cultural exchange opportunities
• Establish more Inter-American working collaborations. For example, we've already connected our programs in five Latin American countries, including our year-round satellite offices and programs in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Costume Design and Construction in Asuncion, Paraguay, and co-productions with the National Dance Company of Mexico)
• Engage in true public-private/commercial initiatives with clear a clear outline of "return on investment" outcomes
• Expand opportunities in cultural tourism that support the local arts economy;
• Support local artists and cultural organizations, helping develop and incubate new artistic works 
• Work in tandem with city, county, community, and commerce initiatives in order to maximize the investment of public tax dollars.